Course summary

Learn how microorganisms cause disease and interact with the immune system and what practical steps can be taken to prevent and treat these conditions.

Consider how bacteria and fungi can be used as tools in a diverse range of industries.

Develop and enhance your laboratory skills from experimental design, through utilisation of pertinent techniques, to interpretation of results.

This course has been designed to respond to the increasing need for highly skilled microbiologists across a range of industries. You'll undertake the critical task of translating basic laboratory medical research into clinical and commercial applications

How you learn

You are taught through various learning activities designed to challenge and support as you progress through the course. The aim is to give a theoretical and practical knowledge of your subject.

In the first semester you will follow taught modules that provide fundamental knowledge, and the module Applied Laboratory Practice will introduce you to the practical and theoretical basis of research. Together these will give you a sound basis to carry out your Extended Research Project in semesters two and three.

You learn through

lectures and seminars

workshops and tutorials

laboratory classes

an extended research project

working in a professional laboratory

Applied learning

You'll undertake a research project aligned with the current research interests of an academic member of staff, within our professional laboratories of the Biomolecular Research Centre.

You'll work within a real research group, fully supported throughout by your academic supervisor. The project will include a critical review of the literature relevant to your research project, the development of a project proposal, the development of research methods and the analysis, presentation and interpretation of experimental data. Since the project extends over two semesters, it allows you to have the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the project and to have the time to collect meaningful data, thus enabling an authentic research scientist experience.

Future careers

This course prepares you for a career in

academic research

the industrial biotechnology sector

the health biotechnology sector

the pharmaceutical industry

food and beverage industries

preparation for a PhD

Where will I study?

You study at City Campus

City Campus

City Campus is located in the heart of Sheffield, within minutes of the train and bus stations.

Entry requirements

All students

A 2:1 in a relevant Honours degree is normally accepted as the entry requirement for the course. Applicants with alternative qualifications with academic attainment or skills in subjects which are directly relevant to the course will also be considered.

If English is not your first language you will need an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills, or a recognised equivalent.

Fees and funding

Home/EU students

Our tuition fee for UK/EU students starting full-time study in 2020/21 is £7,420 for the course.

† If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.

International students

Our tuition fee for international students starting full-time study in 2020/21 is £13,905 for the course.

Postgraduate student loans

Up to £10,906 available for UK and EU students on most masters courses.

Additional course costs

This link allows you to view estimated costs associated with the main activities on specific courses. These are estimates and, as such, are only an indication of additional course costs. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.

Responsible for this course?

How do I apply?

Not ready to apply just yet?

Why not come to our next open day? Open days are the perfect place to talk to staff and students, visit our campuses and get all the information you need. Alternatively, feel free to ask us a question.